Let's start with what's sure to be a controversial pan: Dame Helen, in what to me looks rather more mumsy than is her wont. And in Vivienne Westwood, less!
Rather less questionable? Rita Wilson
's exercise in maximalism.
And I don't know if it's better to think that Emma Stone worked with a stylist...or not.
Can we all applaud Cate Blanchett
for taking an all-too-rare Oscar risk, while still admitting this Givenchy couture is just awkward-looking?
Another swing and a miss? Nicole's aggressive Dior.
Okay, from certain angles Anne Hathaway
's Valentino is stunning indeed. From others, there's a distinctive "tumor-ish" look to it — never a good thing.
Speaking of gratuitous fabrication! Naomi Watts
' Chanel.
And also in the Black Swan
camp, this Cruella DeVille-ish turn from Sharon Stone
.
And this immense Charles James is not the most flattering look we've ever seen on Marisa Tomei
.
By far the most epidemic trend was the "sheer black" thing, which came in many unfortunate forms. Exhibit A: Sofia Vergara
.
Jena Malone.
A Kiss of the Spider Woman
-inspired Madonna.
Eva Mendes.
A 60's-inflected — not in the good way — Zooey Deschanel
.Jessica Szohr
, apparently dressed by Pretty in Pink's
Andy.
By now you've probably seen Melissa Leo
's infamous killer doily attack.
And in Dolce and Gabbana, I think Scarlett sells herself short in this too-revealing bow to the odious lacy tyranny of 2011.